Waltz is the mother of modern ballroom dances. Would you be surprised to learn that there are a few different waltz styles? In this post, we’ll explore the dance’s origins, learn about four popular styles, and see how it shows up in everyday life.

Here’s little bit of history about the Waltz.

First off, it had a very rocky start. Rebellious young people in the German aristocracy began dancing what became known as the Waltz in the 18th century. The problem was that, at the time, dancers customarily held each other at arm’s length. Here, the two partners wrapped their arms around each other and danced in close contact.

Also, ladies had to hold their floor-length skirts up to avoid stepping on them as they moved backward. However, it was considered scandalous for women to show their ankles in public. Shameful!

Nevertheless, the dance spread quickly throughout Europe and, by the 19th century, to America as well. Over time, its reputation improved, and the Waltz is now considered a graceful and elegant dance.

The different types of Waltz are:

Viennese Waltz

The Viennese Waltz began in Vienna (who knew?) with the beautiful Waltz music composed by Johan Strauss II. Although traditional Strauss Waltz music remains a pleasure to listen to and dance to, modern and romantic pop songs are also enjoying success in 3/4 time. For this reason, it’s become a fashionable choice for the wedding ‘first dance’.

The tempo of Viennese Waltz is a peppy 150-180 BPM (that’s beats per minute).

Speaking of the first dance, please check out this Dance Safari post, “Could I Have This Dance for the Rest of My Life? 3 Ways to Prepare for Your First Dance”.

International Style Slow Waltz

International style ballroom dancing is unique because the couple maintains body contact throughout the dance. As you can probably guess by the name, the dance is much slower than the Viennese Waltz, which lets the couple make more use of the Waltz element known as ‘rise and fall’. This is what gives this type of Waltz its lovely, lilting action as the couple rotates around the room.

The tempo for the International Style Slow Waltz is 84-93 BPM.

American Style Waltz

Unlike the International Style, American Waltz dancers use a variety of closed and open positions. That is, couples often split to go into side-by-side, skater’s position, or underarm turns and spins.

The tempo for American Style Waltz is 84-96 BPM.

Country Style is the last on our list of waltz types.

Most dancers agree that Country Waltz is pretty much like the American Waltz. However, you’ll probably see more cowboy boots and hats at a country social. This type of Waltz also uses steps and dance positions traditionally performed in dances like the Country Two-Step.

Country Waltz tempo ranges from 76-98 BPM.

Thanks to Hollywood Ballroom Dance Center for Tempo Recommendations for Dance Music.

Why learn to Waltz?

• Practicing good Waltz posture will strengthen your legs, knees, and ankles.
• Better use of the lower body will improve balance, rotation, and poise. As a result, you’ll look and feel better on the dance floor.
• Partnership skills strengthen as the leader communicates with his body and the follower responds.
• Some Waltz steps can be used in other dances like Rumba and Foxtrot. Therefore, you’ll have more variety and can dance more often if you learn to Waltz.
• You’ll be a sought-after partner if you can do a good Waltz!

Interesting Waltz tidbits.

Poetry: The Waltz by Dorothy Parker. A clever description of a man and woman’s first dance at an early 20th-century social. (Make sure you read it to the end.)

Music: Christina Perri, A Thousand Years. This beautiful and sweet Viennese Waltz has become a classic choice for a bride and groom’s first dance. (Bring the tissues.)

Speech: Can’t you hear your Mama saying, “I’m so glad you enjoyed your dinner. Now, how about you waltz on over to the sink and do those dishes?” (Ah, Ma!)

Movies: “The Last Waltz.” The rock group The Band gave its farewell concert on Nov. 25, 1976, at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom. In fact, a young Martin Scorsese filmed and directed the 1978 movie. Sit back and enjoy some of the best rock ‘n’ roll ever created, including stunning guest performances by legends Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Van Morrison, and Joni Mitchell. (Watch this movie and you’ll learn about the history of 60s and 70s rock ‘n’ roll.)

Quinceanera Waltz: A sweet tradition as many Latino girls celebrate their 15th birthday and their transition into adulthood. With this in mind, the Quince Waltz is the first time she is permitted to dance in public. (What a nice head-start to have already learned to Waltz at 15 years old.)

The Waltz is a pretty cool dance with a lot of history. The basic step is the Box Step, and it’s easy to learn. So, find a teacher and make the Waltz a part of your life.